CVOEO: Vermont winter emergency housing

Read the full article at vermontbiz.com.

Champlain Valley Office of Economic Opportunity: For many of the nearly 4,600 Vermonters without stable housing — including over 1,000 children — a warm place to sleep is not a guarantee. As temperatures drop, it is important to be aware of critical changes to Vermont's emergency housing this winter.

Starting December 1, and continuing through March 31, Vermont's emergency motel voucher program will temporarily pause key limits. The usual 80-night cap is lifted during these months, meaning any household that has already reached their limit can re-apply, and any nights used during the winter won't count against their annual total. The overall room capacity limit is also lifted. However, rooms are extremely limited and fill quickly, so immediate action is essential.

If motel rooms are full or eligibility for a voucher is denied, Vermont’s network of shelters and warming spaces must be used. Please share these resources widely:

- Call 2-1-1 to find open shelters and warming shelters in the area.
- A seasonal shelter, containing 26 beds, is available at CVOEO's Champlain Place Emergency Shelter in Burlington.
- CVOEO will also run an Emergency Cold Weather Shelter at the Miller Center in Burlington’s New North End, opening on nights when extreme cold is forecast. Updates will be shared via CVOEO and the City of Burlington.

With only 602 traditional shelter beds for thousands who need them, the need for safe shelter is more urgent than ever. Share this information to make certain no one is left out in the cold, and to ensure all Vermonters have access to warmth, beds, and safety this winter.